Competition heats up at Markinch Games

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Published:13:00Thursday 06 June 2013

ON what was the warmest day of the year the crowds flocked to Markinch for the town’s annual Highland Games in the John Dixon Park.

Four ground records were broken in the heavy events as Craig Sinclair, Drumoak, set new figures in both the 16lb and 22lb hammer as did Lukasz Wenta of Poland in the 16lb and 22lb shot putt competitions.

Former World Champion Aaron Neighbour from Australia won the 28lb Weight for Distance but failed to improve on the world record set by Gregor Edmunds in 2011.

There was a big entry in the athletic events with the £200 first prize in the 90 metres handicap going to Kevin Eadie, Kelty. The race is contested on the only ‘Chariots of Fire’ type string-laned track left on the Games circuit.

The gruelling Scottish 8000m cycle championship was won by Alan Clark, Thurso, who is a member of Team Leslie Bike Shop. Dumbarton rider James Melville was victorious in the Fife 800m championship.

The games stage the oldest pipe band contest in the country this year 22 bands took part with the coveted Markinch Burgh Shield going to Grade One winners Fife Constabulary.

Highland dancers of all ages entertained the crowds all afternoon and with the good weather bringing out the families, hundreds of children and their parents enjoyed the fun races.

Outwith the main arena there was an array of side-shows, trade stands, stalls and a fun fair.

Games chieftain was Jack Harley, the president of Markinch Bowling Club, who are currently celebrating their 150th year. He took the salute from the massed bands in a spectacular march-past at the close of the games.

Shane Fenton, who has been a commmittee member at Markinch for 40 years, was presented with the Markinch Citizen of the Year award for 2013.